Hi children. Just came across this topic and could not resist pointing out that I first cycled this route in the mid 1950's. So long ago that I cannot really remember much detail but certainly very different from today. I do remember going over the old bridge at Helmsdale. The inland road from Helmsdale up to the N. coast is worth doing. Pretty quiet road and on a good day good views over the Flow Country.

ambodach wrote:... The inland road from Helmsdale up to the N. coast is worth doing. Pretty quiet road and on a good day good views over the Flow Country.

Seconded. I know that road fairly well and I'm slightly surprised so many people choose the Berriedale route, though they both have their ups and downs. There's also an excellent "short"cut via Glen Loth (signposted from the A9 south of Helmsdale), which is my favourite stretch of road in the country to drive along - high, remote, and quiet - and on my to-do list on a bike. I need to increase the carbon content of the ol' thighs first though.

RJ MacLeod has been awarded the construction contract as part of the £9.6 million Berriedale Braes project on the A9.Construction is expected to get underway this year with completion expected in spring 2020.

RJ MacLeod has been awarded the construction contract as part of the £9.6 million Berriedale Braes project on the A9.Construction is expected to get underway this year with completion expected in spring 2020.

First time we were there, I was driving. This was the summer of 1973 ............ over 45 years ago.The hill profile and the road layout was the same as it is now.I've cycled it over the years a few times, and both ways in the same day too.

I went up the Brae in 1999. A car/caravan were close behind me on the harpin and it met an Asda artic going tother way. I have no idea what happened but the caravan never overtook me. Maybe they are still there.

Mick F wrote:First time we were there, I was driving. This was the summer of 1973 ............ over 45 years ago.The hill profile and the road layout was the same as it is now.I've cycled it over the years a few times, and both ways in the same day too.

This is my Chopper at the northern end on my way to LE.Berriedale Top.jpg

That's a great pic. Do you have a higher resolution image by any chance? I'm making a Lejog wall in my garage, it would be a great inspirational poster!

Thinking .................. I may have a CD with the originals on as I would have kept them at the time on my computer ............ which I took with me.I'll have a root round later. If I don't get back to this, I don't have them.

Thinking .................. I may have a CD with the originals on as I would have kept them at the time on my computer ............ which I took with me.I'll have a root round later. If I don't get back to this, I don't have them.

All there is of the ride, is on the blog. I do have others from the prep and modifications of the bike, and a few of the bike as it was when it was given to me. This one for instance.(That's pallet firewood in the background!)